Which Swimming Pool Plaster Type To Choose Standard, Quartz, Pebble
Posted by Robert Iovinelli on Mon, May 23, 2011 @ 03:51 PM
The type of swimming pool plaster you choose should be based on your long term goals & budget. The following describes each type of plaster along with its advantages & disadvantages.
1. Standard white or colored plaster.White portland cement & crushed marble. May be dyed or use black sand in place of marble. May add 60% quartz or Meta Max acrylic add mix to increase durability.
Basic White Plaster Below
60% Blue Quartz Below
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Easy to install
- Smooth finish
Disadvantages:
- Short life span, 5-7 years average. 7-10 with Meta Max
- Stains easily
- Colored plaster mottles easily (Streaks)
- 3 year warranty, 5 years with Meta Max
2. 100% Quartz plaster. premixed bagged plaster of cement, powdered dye, colored quartz. Common names are DiamondBrite, Sunstone, Designer Series, Quartz Scapes.
Quartz Scapes - Aruba Sky Below
Sunstone Midnight Blue Below
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Advantages:
- Extremely durable, minimum 10-15 years
- 10 year warranty in most cases
- Variety of styles & colors
- Stain & fade resistant
- Customizable colors
Disadvantages:
- 60%-100% higher cost
- Semi-rough finish like sandpaper
- Difficult to start up to get even color
3. Pebble plaster finish. Premixed plaster of cement, powdered dye, various colored stones Common names Stonescapes, River Rok, Pebble Tec.
Stones Scapes Regular Pebble Carribean Blue
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Stone Scapes Mini-Pebble Midnight Blue below.
Advantages:
- Extremely durable, minimum 15-25 years
- 10 year warranty in most cases
- Variety of styles & colors
- Stain & fade resistant
Disadvantages:
- 80%-140% higher cost
- Rough finish like aggregate deck but 50% smaller stones
Please be aware there are many knock-offs of the name brand plaster upgrades. The plaster companies are mixing their own materials to reduce costs. We have found in most cases these knock-offs are inferior to the name brand products even though the warranty may be the same. The main issue we have found is that the colors tend to fade more easily.